Abram to Abraham: The Covenant of Circumcision

Abram to Abraham: The Covenant of Circumcision

Deacon Hui Zhen - 28 August 2014

Preach Gospel To Yourself Daily

All English Service

As children of God, we need to always examine ourselves if the truth we have always heard become have become our spiritual state. Can we look to Father, always listening and following Him in all things, just like Lord Jesus. There're moments in our journey of faith that we seem to enter into a spiritual stupor. As we continue serving in the church or hearing the gospel, our faith does not seem to grow deeper in Christ, and we do not seem to draw closer to God. Situations and information seem to rob away our joy easily, distorting our judgment core and peace without even us knowing. The truth that gives birth to us call us to be God's child, one with an unchanging relationship with God. It is this relationship that gives us strength to look to Father for strength and wisdom daily. With the complete truth, we ought to tear down the "old written code" that Satan hideously put in our lives that stop us from hearing the living and active conviction of the Holy Spirit. And often, we have entered into a complacent state, forgetting to repeatedly connect and confirm the truth we have heard through deep prayers. The fruit of genuine faith [vs religion] is strength, love, and grace of God, it means we should have daily recharge, daily renewal and daily regeneration. As much as preaching gospel to others is important, we should all the more preach the gospel to ourselves daily so that we will not fall into spiritual stupor. Be led by the living and active word of God daily. The Word of God does not only bring comfort, it operates into the depths of our souls, penetrating, exposing and revealing the spots that need healing. The journey with Abba Father is always so true and active.

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Abram to Abraham:
The Covenant of Circumcision


In the midst of worldly busyness and distractions, it is not easy to keep remembering and trusting God’s promises. Thus, God often uses His word and our life events to remind us and help us confirm His promises. The best part of God’s covenant is a special relationship with Him, where He assures us, saying, “I will be your God.” While it is wonderful to have God on our side, such covenantal relationship with God also implies certain obligations we have toward Him. This change of identity should also change our perspective such that we live in a way which is fitting with His grace of salvation. 

 Verses to read:
<
Genesis 17:1-23>

1. Change of name (identity)

  • v5: Abram (“exalted father”) >>> Abraham: (“father of many”)
  • v15: Sarai >>> Sarah
  • Name affects a person
  • Name shapes perspective and behaviour
  • Changed names so can remember and dispel unbelief
  • After name change: God’s perspective >>> our fixed perspective
  • Forget old name, register new name, and live in a fitting way

2. God’s covenant also involves man’s obedience

1) “Walk before me faithfully and be blameless” <v1>

  • Walk before God, not man, nor self
  • Man sins due to very low view of God
  • Remember that God is Almighty <v1> >>> Trust and fear Him

2) Sign of covenant: Circumcision

  • Outward sign of inward faith
  • Reminder of obligations to God
  • Similar to New Testament baptism
  • Put away old self
  • Be set apart
  • Circumcision of the heart more important:
    <Deut 10:16> “Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer.”
  • Irreversible: Permanent bond between God and His people

3) Obey promptly

  • <Genesis 17:26> Abraham and his son Ishmael were both circumcised on that very day.

4) Do not let doubts hinder obedience

  • Don’t trust our doubts more than we trust God!

5) God demands total commitment

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Preacher Hui Jun
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Huijun serves as Secretary of The Blessed RUN Ministries. She is also the Preacher at The Life Church and Missions (Singapore). She graduated from Singapore Bible College and currently lives in Singapore with her husband, Chengji.

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